Water Yam Plant Care
Plukenetia conophora Müll.Arg.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Plukenetia conophora, also called Nigerian walnut, and conophore, is a climbing shrub in the genus Plukenetia. It is not related to the walnut, being so named because its nuts bear a superficial resemblance to the walnut.
Full sun to partial shade
At a glance
How do you care for Water Yam?
Water Yam grows best in full sun to partial shade.
Where Is the Water Yam Native To?
What Is the Water Yam?
Water Yam (Plukenetia conophora) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Plukenetia genus. Water Yam is native to tropical western and central Africa from Togo to Congo and in Sierra Leone. Water Yam is also known as African Pili Nut, Pili Nut, Water Yam Pili Nut.
Water Yam displays a twining vine growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Water Yam produces small, bell-shaped flowers in clusters.
What Light Does the Water Yam Need?
Water Yam thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Water Yam?
Well-draining, fertile loamy soil with added compost. Good drainage is essential for Water Yam to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Water Yam?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Water Yam?
Water Yam can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sacha inchi plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Water Yam Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Water Yam, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Water Yam?
Water Yam is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
Keep exploring plants
Water Yam is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Plukenetia genus — compare its care with other Plukenetia species on PlantoScan.
Plukenetia is part of the Euphorbiaceae plant family — browse all Euphorbiaceae genera and species.
Water Yam thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Plukenetia conophora Müll.Arg., family Euphorbiaceae (first published in Flora 47: 530 (1864)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Water Yam, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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